Full bursaries for Masters, PhDs & Post‑docs: Urban and Regional Economics and Development, Uni[...]

Regional Studies Association; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 370,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research chair at the University of the Free State is offering various postgraduate research bursaries in urban and regional economics. The successful candidates will receive funding for their studies and be part of an innovative research community specializing in urban challenges and policies.

Qualifications

• Eligibility under NRF includes age under 32 years.
• Full-time study status required.
• Previous academic performance is a key criterion.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in urban and regional economics and development.
• Agree on research topics with supervisors.
• Engage in various research themes including urbanisation and economic development.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Minimum 65% in previous degree

PhD or Master's in relevant fields

Job description

Location University of the Free State, South Africa

The DSI‑NRF Research Chair in City and Regional Economies at the University of the Free State (South Africa) is pleased to announce a call for applications for postgraduate research positions and scholarships covering fees, living expenses, and other costs. Successful applicants will join a dynamic research community led by Professor Ivan Turok. Suitable candidates will be nominated for NRF scholarships for PhDs and Masters degrees in urban and regional economics and development. They will be registered at UFS to start in 2026. Additional positions funded by UFS with more flexible starting dates are also available. The available research scholarships include:

• Four full‑time postdoctoral positions (R370,000 per annum for two years, renewable for up to two additional years)
• Four full‑time PhD bursaries (R220,000 per annum for three years)
• Four full‑time Masters bursaries (R200,000 per annum for two years)

The NRF stipulates eligibility criteria including academic achievement (minimum 65% in the previous degree), age (under 32 years old), and full‑time study status. UFS bursaries are more flexible.

Research themes

Highly motivated and high-achieving students are expected to conduct research in urban and regional economics and development. Research topics will be mutually agreed with supervisors. Potential research areas include:

• Urbanisation and economic development
• Urban housing, land, and spatial inequalities
• Strategic industries and business dynamics
• The formal and informal economies of cities, including spatial patterns and trends
• Dynamic places — central cities, business nodes, and township economies
• Urban labour markets, unemployment, and poverty
• Urban governance, policy, and practice, including public-private partnerships and civil society engagement
• The delivery and financing of urban infrastructure and essential services, including transport, energy, water, and waste services

To apply, please send the following documents by email to Nomvula Makhubu at [e-mail] by 23 June 2025:

• CV
• Copy of university transcripts
• Copy of ID/passport
• Short proposal (500‑1500 words) aligned with urban and regional economics and development

If selected for NRF nomination and support, the candidate will be required to complete an online application on the NRF website.